kenneth.holm's blog

Repo!: The Genetic Opera | DVD Review

kenneth.holm — Tue, 17 Feb 2009 15:29:22 +0000

A Second Opinion
by
Kenneth Holm
Senior Staff Writer

Now, I am fully aware that our erstwhile cub reporter J has already posted his review of Repo!: The Genetic Opera, but I will also chime in on this subject. See, I like J's review, and am happy that he had fun with it, even though I do think that the movie is much better than he gave it credit for. Let's look at this from the beginning...

The film originally started out as a stage play called The Necromerchant's Debt and quickly expanded when Hollywood came a-calling in the form of Saw director Darren Lynn Bousman. So, because he directed the film, I am sure we all know what to expect. Grimy color schemes, grue of all types, and an appropriately gothic looking cast is par for the course. However, that is just the icing on the cake. The story of a doomed father and naive daughter is one that has been played out before, but this time it is pretty damn fun. Nathan Wallace, played masterfully by Anthony Stewart Head (Buffy The Vampire Slayer series), is a Repo Man. Repo Men (for the film does show that there are more than one... Sequel anyone?) work for GeneCo, a sprawling biotech business that has gotten into the reprehensible practice of renting organs to own. First it started from necessity, but soon vanity took hold and now the burgeoning empire is supplying cosmetic surgery to all... who can afford it. If you cannot pay, hey, no biggie! Make payments, but don't be slack with the due dates. If you miss one, the Repo Man will come and rip the still-functioning organ out of your living body. Fun, right?

Anyhoo, predictably the Repo Man has a secret. His teenage daughter Shiloh (Alexa Vega of Spy Kids... fame?) does not know that he does these terrible things. Turns out, he only does them because his daughter is terribly ill and he is trying to keep her alive because she is all that he has left after his wife's terrible death. Now, Wallace works directly for the head of GeneCo, Rotti Largo (Paul Sorvino from damn near every movie who needs an Italian hardass). Rotti rules his empire with a golden fist, and his three children are always there to embarrass him. Luigi Largo (Bill Mosely of the upcoming Dead Air and every single Rob Zombie movie. Ever.) is the "brains" of the trio. He believes himself to be the smartest and toughest of the Largo spawn, but his fiery temper threatens to erupt at any time. That usually leads to someone dying. Paviche "Pavi" Largo (Nivek Orge of Skinny Puppy infamy) is the youngest and oddest of the siblings. He is truly a ladies man, whose face is pretty scarred up. He makes up for this by wearing the faces of dead women. Then, there's Amber Sweet. Amber is played by Paris Hilton, who plays completely against type as a ditzy multi-millionaire spoiled little bitch who thinks she can sing... Jeez, it is too easy sometimes. Anyhoo, Amber is addicted to surgery and has a bit of a drug problem. All of these four are constantly fighting over who is the next to take over the company.

The plot goes in kind of a predictable direction, throwing co-creator Terrance Zdunich (playing The Graverobber, a kind of Greek Chorus /drug dealer/umm...graverobber) and opera singer Sarah Brightman (playing Blind Mag, a kind of creepy but hot opera singer. Also playing against type) into the mix. Truly, I love this movie. I got into it pretty early, getting the "Pre-Surgery Sampler" soundtrack that was released all the way back in July of 2008. When the soundtrack came out, I got it immediately and have been singing along to it until it finally hit DVD. When I watched it, I was slightly... Well, I didn't originally know how I thought about it. After about five more viewings (within a week), I decided that this was truly the Hot TopiGoth generation's Rocky Horror Picture Show. While RHPS is slightly more subtle and done with a wink and a nod to the sexuality, Repo! takes it that three crucial steps further, throwing blood, gore, nudity, fierce killings, dead people, and a surprise vocal performance from the long-missing Poe into the slop bucket.

Then, there is the performances. All around, I have to disagree with J's assessment of the musical numbers. Anthony Stewart Head has proven himself a quite capable singer in the past (the Buffy musical episode "Once More With Feeling" and some work on James Marsters's CDs) and he continues to be exceptional in this movie. Also, who would have guessed that Paul Sorvino could not only sing, but sing awesomely? Sarah Brightman predictably does superbly, as does Zdunich in his narrative role. However, the best surprise performance-wise was the Largo siblings. Bill Mosely is so hilairously over-the-top as Luigi that it is impossible not to laugh during his and Pavi's performance of "Mark It Up". Paris Hilton also dies what she can to liven up the proceedings, and I think that industrial-punk should be the next CD that she puts out. Sure is a hell of a lot better than that "Stars Are Blind" crap.

Overall, I cannot recommend this enough for everyone. If you like horror movies, watch it. If you like musicals, watch it. If you like boobies, watch it. Hell, if you like looking at movie corpses, watch it. Just give it a shot. I promise you that you might not be sorry. If you are, blame J. Yeah, that's the ticket.

Out of five:

Coming Soon!

kenneth.holm — Mon, 19 Jan 2009 21:45:23 +0000

Goodness, it has been a while, hasn't it? I know that I have not been as frequent with content as I would like to have been, but I will be attempting to remedy that soon. Let's see what will be coming soon!

Firstly, expect the LONG OVERDUE review of Naruto: Clash Of Ninja Revolution 2 I keep trying to write this, but everytime I sit down to write it, I find something new with the game or something I think I should cover better. It's coming, I swear it.

Next, I'm going to be writing a multi-part series entitled "Watching The Watchmen: A Look At The Superheroes' Film Past". Each article will focus on one or two of the actors playing the titular Watchmen in the upcoming movie that has all of us astir.

Also, expect other things popping up soon. I have a look into 2009 coming soon, which should prove interesting. This year is turning out to be pretty damn sweet, and it's just getting started!

As always, drop me a line at kenneth.holm@dorkgasm.com if you have something interesting you think should be covered, or if you think I'm a flaming doucebag.

Happy 2009 everyone, and we're looking forward to providing yopu with the news and reviews you desire most!

Rockhead's 20th Anniversary Party! --or-- The Death Of Comics?

kenneth.holm — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 03:41:04 +0000

Ah, Rockhead's. If you live in the Kenosha area, no other name is as synonymous with comics and gaming as this one. Back when I was a wee lad just out of the whelping box, I remember when the comic store moved in just across from the Aladdin's Castle arcade in the Market Square complex. Finally! A place where I could get all of my comics in one shot instead of going to all of the other retail stores in town. Yes sir, twenty years ago, I got my first taste of the true comic book store. Now, other comic book stores came and went in this town, but Rockhead's always remained there. Sure, it moved around to a couple different places, but it pretty much remained the same. So, I thought it would be fitting for me to drop in and show my support for the store that gave me my lifeblood for so long ago. So myself and my buddies Randy and Jimmy grabbed some Chinese food and went down to get our comic party on. I do not know what I expected, but I never expected what I saw. Now, I know that places like this have to evolve and change with the times, but I think that maybe things have gone too far. When we walked in, we were confronted with a slew of gaming tables, miniatures, and rule books for about three-quarters of the store. I looked and looked, and finally found the comics waaaaaaayyyyy in the back. Imagine my surprise to go into a comic store and having to look for the comics! Swarms of tabletop gamers sat playing everything from miniatures to pen-and-paper games, while a lone Monopoly box sat unloved and forgotten. I looked around and suddenly felt very old. Now, there's were people older than me there. Hell, there were some people much older than me. However, I realized that it was my understanding that was old. I had never thought that the gaming aspect would over take comics in general. However, during dinner I had a chat with Jimmy about the comic industry. It all started with The Long Halloween... You see, Jimmy was lamenting over the beautiful hardbound edition of The Long Halloween, which some people think is one of the best Batman stories ever. He really wanted it, but he also had to have some books to help with his schooling. Now, he obviously made the school choice, but it got us talking. I know someone who has a scan of The Long Halloween on their computer and told him I may be able to get him a copy. This brought on talk of the .cbr format and programs like CDisplay. He believes that programs and files like this one may be the downfall of the comic industry. With people trading these scans of comics, it eliminates the need for buying the paper books we all know and love. I did a search and found several different series, both past and present, available with a few mouse clicks. It was depressing, to say the least. I am someone who loves to have tangible things. Sure, I'll download the newest Nine inch Nails album when they are giving it away for free on their website, but I will be damned if I won't buy it when it comes out. I'll drop upwards of eighty dollars on the newest collection of Neil Gaiman's Sandman comics, just so I can have them on archival quality paper and all in one place. A lot of people are not like that, though. Is the comics industry dying? Are stores like Rockhead's putting the comics in the back because the medium is dying out? Am I just reading too much into things? Well, if I am, where the crap are all of the back-issues that used to be out on the floor at Rockhead's? Oh, wait. I heard they were upstairs being sorted out. Well, maybe I may be wrong. Hell, maybe I'm right. I guess the future will hold the answer. For now though, I guess I'll just sit back with The Dark Knight Returns or Watchmen and remember a simpler time. I guess it's true what they say about nostalgia. It just ain't what it used to be.

Addendum to The Mist | DVD Review

kenneth.holm — Thu, 03 Apr 2008 00:41:38 +0000

So, I suppose you may be wondering why this review of The Mist on DVD was relegated to a blog entry. Well, since I had already reviewed the theatrical version before, I thought that this would be appropriate. Plus, it just gets it into your grubby hands faster. As I mentioned before, I personally thought that The Mist was one of the best films of 2007. It was the Stephen King adaptation that made almost every other one pale in comparison. The film told the story of a small town trapped in an otherworldly nightmare that they could not escape from. That's enough summary, though. Let's have a look at what the new DVD offers. As usual, the movie is offered in a single disc version and the balls-out two disc fuck-off special edition. As I usually suggest, do yourself the service of buying the bigger and better of the two. Not only do you get copious features, but one of the most innovative extras ever. Some of the extras include some Frank Darabont commentary which is really interesting. As he talks, you can really feel what it was like to get this movie put together in such a short amount of time. Watching this makes me long for what might have been if Darabont's 60 million dollar version was shot instead of the 20 million version. Also on the first disc, you get the almost requisite deleted scenes with optional director commentary. The scenes aren't too important in themselves, but they do give a little more backstory. The first disc finishes out with a selection of behind-the-scenes webisodes which were originally broadcast during the making of the film, a trailer gallery, and a mini-docu about Drew Struzan, an artist who has painted some of the best album covers, movie posters, and comic book covers of our time. He did all the artwork seen in the movie, as well as some promotional art for the movie itself. The second disc, though, is where you really get the payoff for paying the extra money. You get the huge "making the movie" special, plus looks at the creature effects by KNB artist Greg Nicotero. Both of these are incredibly educational and interesting. There's an even more in-depth look at the making of one of the scenes in which the creatures begin to attack the supermarket. All of these, while exceptionally cool, pale in comparison to the big enchilada. For one of the first times that I can remember, there is a different version of the movie as a special feature. Well, it is not completely different, but it plays differently. When Frank Darabont first got the rights to King's novella, he wanted to shoot it as an old-school black and white movie. Of course, color is more profitable, so the studio heads won on this decision. However, with the after market DVD quickly becoming a dumping ground for extras, Darabont decided to show his preferred version of the film. Not only is it black and white, but I swear that it is a bit grainer than the theatrical print. This version plays like a horror film from the 50's, while the color version feels more like a mid-70's horror romp. I cannot explain it, but they both feel completely different, even though they are the same movie... Well, this is pretty much all of the reasons that you should check The Mist out on DVD. I know I raved about it when it hit theaters, but WTF. It's still one of the best movies of the past year, and you would be a sucker if you missed out on this one today.

MP3 Player Movie Of The Week 03/16/08

kenneth.holm — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 02:16:56 +0000

So, I recently got me one of them new fangled MP3 players that plays video, too. Not a huge one, just enough for several hundred songs and a couple of feature length movies. So, I have decided to let you all in on some of the movie industry's greatest flicks as I load them onto my MP3 player. Some are better than others, but it will be a nice look into some great flicks that you may have either forgotten or never got around to seeing. Since this is the first week, I put two movies on the player, and we'll cover why they are good and the reasons to be taken to that next doctor's appointment. Movie #1: Creepshow: 25th Anniversary Edition This flick is a great watch for the road. If you've ever visited the site before, you know that I do not hide my love for Creepshow, which I think is the best damn movie ever. This movie is broken up into five stories, each of which has a number of chapter stops, so it's great for waiting in line or sitting in the waiting room. Hell, it's even good for when your teeth are getting drilled. The colors and sound are so much better for this version than previous ones, and it even looks good on a 1.5 inch screen. I like to take this with me whenever possible, if for no other reason than I like to show it to other people. Movie #2: Funny Games No, it's not the new one with Naomi Watts and Tim Roth. It's the original 1997 movie directed by Michael Haneke, who directed the new one. I really love this movie. The Wife says that that only proves that I have no morals, but what does she know? She only did a Psych major in college. Haneke's vision is probably easier to take in this version, as it has subtitles that make you feel like you're watching a high falutin' indie film instead of a classed-up version of torture porn. Haneke is still one of my favorite directors, and this movie is probably his best, in my opinion. Since the new movie just came out this week, I decided to hold myself over with this one until I get to see the new one. Besides, if someone asks you what you're watching, saying "It's a movie about a family being held captive and tortured by a couple of preppy young men" and watching the reaction is totally worth it. Well, that's it for this week. Join me here next week for a new movie or two to keep you entertained while you're waiting on the rest of the world.

COMING SOON: Upcoming Articles!

kenneth.holm — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 14:44:45 +0000

Yeah, I know I've been out of the game for a while. Switching jobs will do that to someone, so bite me. However, this week marks the return of interesting things! Wanna know what to expect?

-- Expect a DVD review or two coming up, including Academy Award winner Elizabeth: The Golden Age

-- A Media Vs. Media comparison of The Other Boleyn Girl. Which is better? The book or the movie? And how do they actually compare with history?

-- There's a new Naruto fighter on the DS, and this one may be the best yet.

-- Did you read the review of the incredible book God's Demon? Of course you did. Join me as Dorkgasm shares a few minutes with author and production designer Wayne Barlowe.

And more surprises in the future are in store, as well. Keep working with us as we strive to Dork up your World!!

Kenneth Holm and his wife Dana pick the Oscars!!

kenneth.holm — Sun, 24 Feb 2008 21:38:27 +0000
Hooray! It's Oscar time once again, and I say to hell with that "Academy Award" crap. It's the Oscars, baby! This is truly one of my favorite times of year, and I love to debate the winners with my lovely wife, Dana. This, however, is the first time we've decided to make the picks public. So, without any further ado, let's go! Best Picture: Personally, I want No Country For Old Men to win. I thought the film was absolutely awesome in its brutality and complexity. I think it will win. However, Dana wants Juno to win. She was taken by surprise by the small movie, and it went on to become one of her favorite films of all time. However much she wants Juno to win though, she thinks that the critical praise of There Will Be Blood will be too much to overcome. Best Actor: We both think critical darling Daniel Day Lewis will win for There Will Be Blood, but both agree that Johnny Depp should win for his work in Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street. Depp has consistently churned out wonderful work, and we think that he should get his comeuppance for this film. Otherwise, expect Day Lewis to drink Depp's milkshake all up. Best Actress: We totally split on this one. Dana thinks that Ellen Page should win for Juno but that Julie Christie from Away From Her will win for the same reason that Daniel Day Lewis will. That reason being that every time either of these two does a film, they seem to win oodles of praise for them, then they fade away until the next one. However, I am torn between Marion Cotillard for La Vie En Rose or Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth: The Golden Age. They were both powerhouse performances, and one was not necessarily better than the other. However, I will go with Cotillard, as the Academy might not be too happy about giving Blanchett another Oscar for the same role she won one for before. You know, even though she deserves it. Best Supporting Actor: We both agree that Javier Bardem should win for No Country For Old Men, but I think that Hal Holbrook might edge Bardem out with the age quotient for Into The Wild. Besides, Holbrook was in Creepshow, which was the best movie ever. Best Supporting Actress: Dana thinks that Cate Blanchett will win for I'm Not There, because the Academy loves it when you play ugly, or gay, or the opposite sex. I tend to agree, but think that Ruby Dee should win for her work in American Gangster. Again, the age quotient might be the deciding factor here. Blanchett's double nomination might split the vote, in my opinion. Best Director: We both agree that the Coen brothers should take this one for No Country For Old Men, but I think that Paul Thomas Anderson might just have the upper hand in this race. PTA is the ultimate critical darling, and this film is one of his best ever. Still, though, I still want the Coens to win it. They deserve it more. Best Original Screenplay: I read a lot of scripts. This is true. The script usually makes me want to see the movie. So, this is truly my category. While Dana continues the trend of voting for Juno in almost every category for this one, I have to go with The Savages. I loved the script's caustic reality, and it was just a really awesome showcase for Laura Linney and Phillip Seymour Hoffman. Best Adapted Screenplay: With this category, Dana has decided to take the easy route and pick There Will Be Blood. I, on the other hand, hold out hope for the best one, No Country For Old Men. Having read the book by Cormac McCarthy, I can honestly say that this script was AWESOME and adapted the book quite nicely. Plus, the movie kicked all flavors of ass. Best Cinematography: Dana and I both decided that if Atonement doesn't win, there is a huge crime at hand. Seamus McGarvey did a wonderful job shooting all of the scenes, and should win by a landslide. The only other film that even came close was Roger Deakins and his work with No Country For Old Men. It takes a skilled hand to reign in such desolate locations and make them beautiful. Best Editing: Personally, I have top go with No Country For Old Men again. It was an exemplary movie, and I hope to God that it wins. However, Dana thinks the Academy is going to show some love to Sean Penn's Into The Wild. When I asked her why, she replied, “The Academy always loves to give Sean Penn shit.” I say, good call. Best Art Direction: We both immediately said Sweeny Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. There's no way that this movie should get robbed of this one. Dante Feretti and Francesca Lo Schiavo did a marvelous job translating the world of the musical into film. Top shelf workmanship in this one, folks. Best Costume Design: Again, it's an odd agreement. We both concur that Elizabeth: The Golden Age should walk away in a landslide. The costumes are beautiful, colorful, and all-around superb. If you haven't seen this one, go get it. Seriously. Like right now. Best Makeup: Dana went the way of her heart and said Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End. As usual, the boffins in charge made an exceptional work of everyone you see, making them feel like REAL pirates. Plus, Dana swears they did something to Orlando Bloom at the end to make him look absolutely delicious. I will have to go with La Vie En Rose, however. Watching Marion Cotillard become Edith Piaf at every turn of her life was amazing to witness. Best Motion Picture Score: Dana said Ratatouille for some reason, but I had to roll with 3:10 to Yuma. It was a very evocative score and one of the only ones I've considered purchasing in quite some time. Best Original Song: I have to say “Falling Slowly” from Once Absolutely amazing piece of pop craftsmanship. Singling out only one song from this movie is a crime, especially when Enchanted gets THREE nods. Oh, well. Dana went with anything from Enchanted, just because it worked. Best Sound: I have to throw 3:10 To Yuma another bone on this one. Don't get me wrong, I like the others, but Yuma was the best of all of them. Dana went with The Bourne Ultimatum because of her idea of the Peter Jackson Syndrome. You know, honoring the trilogy at the end. Bull. Best Sound Editing: We both agreed on No Country For Old Men because this is one of those weird ones, and No Country... is still the best movie of the year. The editing was awesome and it worked so well within the picture that it was impossible to give it to anyone else. No doubt about it. Best Visual Effects: Duh. Pirates Of The Caribbean: At World's End has this one. Transformers left a sour taste in my mouth, and I never did see The Golden Compass. So, by virtue of everything else either going not seen or sucking horribly, it's Pirates by a long nose. Best Animated Feature: We totally split on this one. Dana went safe with Ratatouille.Pixar still knows how to bring them in and knock them down, but I thought the movie lacked something. It lacked heart, I thought. So, I chose Persepolis, because it had enough heart for all three entries, and it was a great story. This goes to show that the House Of Mouse is not the only player in the animated game. Best Foreign Language: I said Mongol, hands down. The first in a trilogy detailing the life of Genghis Khan was a superb flick, and I cannot wait for the other two. Dana had no opinion, since she hadn't seen any of them. Best Documentary: We both said Sicko, and it is totally worthwhile. Michael Moore gives us some great entertainment again, and I truly enjoyed it. Dana loved it so much that it made her list of all-time favorite movies. While I didn't like it that much, it was still pretty damn good. Well, that's it! We didn't see any of the shorts, so we don't feel comfortable trying to call those ones. Tonight, we'll see how right we were and where everything goes from here! Happy Oscar viewing!!

Follow-Up Villain Of The Week: The Ultimate Warrior

kenneth.holm — Mon, 28 Jan 2008 18:19:04 +0000

Many of us will remember the Ultimate Warrior as the face paint-wearing goof from wrestling's past. However, last Wednesday, he showed all of us a different side. The side that makes no fucking sense whatsoever.

In a blog posted on his official site, UW said that is was a good thing that Heath Ledger killed himself.

Huh Wha?!?!?!

No, it's true. In a quote taken directly from the blog, he says "After all, Leather Hedger did what it took to kill himself. His kid is without a father, yes, but the negative influence is now removed and his own child has the chance for a full recovery". Now, it also seems that UW didn't dislike Ledger. He admitted to watching Brokeback Mountain like 45 times, and said that by today's standards, Ledger was a good father. He then takes shots at Hulk Hogan for ruining his kids and profitting from their misadventures. This is absolutely amazing. I can kind of see where he's going, though. He's trying to say that we as a people should be paying more attention to the 28 year old soldiers who die in this ungodly war than whenever a 28 year old movie star offs himself.

Unfortunately, he cocked it all up, and he ends up sounding like a madman bastard. Perhaps all of that greasepaint got sucked up into his brain or something. Maybe one too many chairs to the forehead. However, he does get props for speaking what is directly on his mind and not filtering anything. Not that I agree with what he said, but he does have some brass cojones for putting it online so everyone can read it.

The Ultimate Warrior. Making heterosexuals and homosexuals uncomfortably aroused and disgusted since the 80's.

Can A United "Grindhouse" Experience Be Close At Hand?

kenneth.holm — Mon, 21 Jan 2008 20:20:45 +0000
Now, if you know anything about the history of myself and Grindhouse, you will know that I have very publically decried the decision to release the two movies seperately. I thought this marketing move cheapened the experience that the movie brought to the proceedings, and it was just an attempt to milk more ducats out of us DVD buyers. However, while strolling around, I found something amazing. According to Moviehole, a website much akin to our own, there is a Grindhouse 6 disc limited edition coming out in Japan. The pictures can be seen below. Now, these are very interesting images. However, note the top middle panel. It looks like Death Proof and Planet Terror are on one disc, which is somehwat confirmed by this picture... Now, ain't that some shit? According to the Japanese Amazon.com site, this little trinket will cost about $60.00 and will be available on March 21st, 2008. HOLY SHIT!!! Finally! I get my two on one disc that I've been dreaming about! Now, again, this is not 100% certain. I cannot read Japanese, so I can't be sure, but the Disc Five descrption does contain the word "U.S.A.", as in "USA theatrical release". Also, you can plainly see Machete, Don't, Werewolf Women of the SS and Thanksgiving clear as day. All of the packaging is in English, so it may be coming here soon. So, let's recap real quick. The two disc releases of Death Proof and Planet Terror. A possible combination of both as the theatrical release, and a special "Japan Fans Only" disc. Jesus, I can't pre-order this fast enough. Now, if someone who can read Japanese will help me out, I can use my upcoming birthday money to purchase this wonderful set. Anyone out there? Let me know ASAP. Need to make this happen.

DORKcast Volume Two: Chapter Two Is Live!!!

kenneth.holm — Sun, 13 Jan 2008 20:11:33 +0000
Check out the new DORKcast as Ken talks about all thing dorky going on in Hollywood.
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